IMITATING THE FIREWALKERS

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21082, 6 February 1934, Page 3

IMITATING THE FIREWALKERS

DOCTOR'S FEET ARE BADLY BURNED (I'JI3S3 k SSOCI ATIOA' TELZGIUit.) WELLINGTON, February 5. When he followed the example of Tahiti natives who had walked barefooted across apparently white-hot coral with no ill effect or physical pain, Dr. H. S. Buckland, who returned by the Maunganui to reside permanently in New Zealand after 20 years in England, was severely burned about the feet. His feet have since started to heal, but they are still terribly injured. The doctor expressed the opinion that there was something in the theory that some stones were better than others, but it was significant that no other natives than those of a family from Raiatea Island would attempt fire-walking. After a demonstration, he said, several American tourists walked across the fire-bed in boots, and he decided to emulate the natives by walking barefooted. The fire-walkers' leader asked him to dssist, and, having got half-way, Dr. Buckland had to j-tmp to the side, both his feet being burned right through to the muscles. IMMUNITY OF NATIVES NO DEFINITE EXPLANATION No definite explanation of the immunity of the island inhabitants from injury could be offered by several Christchurch doctors with whom "The Press" communicated last evening. Two said they had witnessed an exhibition of fire-walking in the city some years ago, and the feet of the walkers had not been injured. The explanation may have been faith, or it may have been magic, but they were more inclined to believe that through constantly walking on coral and similar hard materials the feet of those who practised the custom had ' developed a tough, horny outer skin. One doctor referred the reporter to the "Encyclopaedia Britannica," in which it is stated that authorities and eye-witnesses differ greatly on the j question. In some countries a thick ointment is rubbed on the feet, but this is not usual, and the bulk of the reports certainly leave an impression that there is something stUl to be explained in the escape of the performers from shocking injuries. Basis of Custom. The origin and meaning of the custom are very obscure, but it is shown to have been widespread in all ages, says the Encyclopaedia. It still survives in Bulgaria, Trinidad, Fiji Islands, Tahiti, India, the Straits • Settlements, Mauritius, and Japan. The details of its ritual and its objects vary in different lands, but the essential feature of the rite, the passing of priests, fakirs, and devotees barefoot over heated stones or smouldering ashes is still the same. Fire-walking was usually associated with the spring festivals and was believed to ensure a bountiful harvest. In the Golden Bough, volume 111., page 307, J. G. Frazer describes the ceremony in the Chinese province of Fo-kien. where trained performers pass through a brazier of charcoal with the image of a god. He suggests that, as the essential feature of the rite is the carrying of the deity through the flames, the whole thing is sympathetic magic designed to give to the coming spring sunshine (the supposed divine emanation), that degree of heat which the image experiences.